NSW Department of Education schools now have an opportunity to review their hygiene service arrangements and choose a provider that better suits their individual needs.
With the Department no longer nominating a single preferred contractor for standalone hygiene services, schools may have greater flexibility to compare providers, service schedules, equipment, pricing and customer support.
For schools that have continued using the same hygiene provider because they believed it was required by the Department, now is a good time to review the arrangement and determine whether it continues to provide the right service and value.
What Does This Change Mean for NSW Public Schools?
The change means that NSW public schools may be able to consider alternative suppliers for specialist hygiene services, subject to the school’s applicable procurement procedures, financial delegations and any existing contractual obligations.
Schools should review:
- their current hygiene services agreement
- the agreement’s expiry date and notice period
- current servicing frequency
- the number and location of hygiene units
- recurring charges and additional fees
- service reliability and reporting
- the suitability and condition of installed equipment.
Schools should also confirm the relevant Department of Education procurement requirements before entering a new agreement.
Hygiene Services Are Different from General School Cleaning
It is important to distinguish between general cleaning and specialist hygiene servicing.
Under the NSW Government’s current cleaning performance standards, general cleaners are responsible for cleaning and disinfecting toilet areas, surfaces, dispensers, sinks and other washroom fixtures. However, the emptying of sanitary disposal units is specifically excluded from general cleaning services and is managed separately. School hygiene services can include:
- sanitary disposal bins
- sanitary bin collection and servicing
- auto-lid sanitary units
- nappy and infant waste disposal bins
- soap dispensers
- hand sanitiser systems
- air fresheners and odour control
- toilet seat cleaners
- urinal eco-mats
- urinal and WC sanitising treatments.
These services complement the work completed by school cleaning teams rather than replacing regular cleaning.
Schools Should Review Their Current Hygiene Contract
A longstanding service arrangement is not always the most suitable or cost-effective option.
Before renewing an existing school hygiene contract, consider whether the provider is delivering:
Reliable Scheduled Servicing
Sanitary disposal units and other hygiene systems need to be serviced according to the usage and traffic levels of the school.
Missed or inconsistent servicing can lead to overflowing bins, unpleasant odours, complaints and unnecessary pressure on school administration and cleaning staff.
Clear and Competitive Pricing
Schools should be able to understand exactly what they are paying for.
Review whether the current agreement includes:
- rental charges
- servicing fees
- waste disposal charges
- environmental fees
- delivery or installation charges
- replacement equipment fees
- annual price increases
- contract termination charges.
A competitive quote from another school hygiene services provider can help determine whether the current arrangement represents good value.
Flexible Servicing Frequencies
Every school is different. A small primary school may not require the same schedule as a large secondary school, special-purpose school, TAFE campus or multi-site education facility.
A hygiene service should be tailored according to:
- student numbers
- staff numbers
- the number of washrooms
- the number of sanitary units
- school operating hours
- holiday periods
- high-traffic areas
- additional facilities such as preschools or support units.
Responsive Local Customer Service
Schools need a provider that responds promptly when there is a missed service, damaged unit, unexpected increase in usage or hygiene concern.
Long delays and complicated offshore call centres can make a relatively simple issue difficult to resolve. Schools should look for a provider with accessible support and technicians who understand the needs of education facilities.
Purchasing Consumables May Be Covered by Separate Arrangements
The ability to select a serviced hygiene provider should not be confused with the purchasing of all janitorial products and washroom consumables.
The NSW Government’s C202 Janitorial and Catering Supplies contract is a mandatory whole-of-government arrangement covering products such as cleaning chemicals, cleaning supplies, washroom consumables and certain waste-management products. should therefore distinguish between:
- purchasing consumable products such as soap, paper towel and toilet paper; and
- engaging a specialist company to install, maintain, collect and service hygiene equipment.
Before changing suppliers, schools should confirm which procurement category applies to the particular products or services being purchased.
Why School Washroom Hygiene Matters
School washrooms are high-traffic environments used by hundreds or, in some cases, thousands of students, employees and visitors each week.
Professional hygiene servicing helps schools:
- provide an appropriate method for sanitary waste disposal
- reduce unpleasant washroom odours
- maintain cleaner and more welcoming facilities
- minimise the handling of sanitary waste by school employees
- support workplace health and safety responsibilities
- reduce pressure on cleaners and administrative staff
- maintain consistent servicing records.
Safe Work Australia’s workplace facilities guidance states that toilets should provide hygienic means for female workers to dispose of sanitary items. Properly installed and regularly serviced sanitary bins are a practical way for schools to meet this expectation. il Hygiene Services for NSW Schools
Sanokil provides specialist hygiene services for schools, universities, early learning centres and other education facilities.
Our education hygiene solutions include serviced sanitary bins, soap dispensers, air fresheners, nappy disposal systems, washroom products and scheduled hygiene servicing. These services are designed to complement the school’s existing cleaning arrangements while reducing disruption to students and employees. can assess your current facilities and develop a servicing plan based on your school’s:
- number of washrooms
- existing equipment
- student and staff population
- servicing requirements
- budget
- operational schedule.
Changing Hygiene Providers Does Not Have to Be Difficult
Schools considering another hygiene provider should begin by checking their current agreement for any minimum term or notice requirements.
A structured transition may include:
- auditing the existing units and washroom locations
- reviewing the current agreement and servicing schedule
- obtaining an itemised alternative quote
- confirming the school’s procurement and approval requirements
- arranging removal of the previous provider’s equipment
- installing replacement units
- scheduling services to avoid disrupting school operations.
A professional provider should assist with the transition and ensure that washrooms are not left without appropriate hygiene facilities between contracts.
Request a School Hygiene Services Review
The removal of a preferred hygiene contractor gives NSW Department of Education schools an opportunity to review their current arrangements rather than automatically continuing with the same provider.
Sanokil can provide an obligation-free review of your school’s existing hygiene services and prepare a customised proposal based on your actual facilities and servicing needs.
Whether your school requires sanitary disposal bins, nappy disposal units, washroom hygiene systems, odour control or a complete scheduled servicing plan, Sanokil can help create a practical solution.
Contact Sanokil on 1800 992 135 or request an obligation-free quote to compare your current school hygiene services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can NSW Department of Education schools choose their own hygiene provider?
Schools may have greater flexibility to review and select a provider for standalone hygiene services now that there is no nominated preferred contractor. Schools must still comply with relevant Department procurement procedures, financial delegations and existing contract terms.
Are sanitary bins included in regular school cleaning?
No. Current NSW whole-of-government cleaning standards identify sanitary disposal units as an exclusion from general cleaning services. Sanitary units require a separate servicing arrangement. a school change hygiene providers immediately?
This depends on the terms of the school’s current agreement. Schools should check the contract expiry date, minimum term and required notice period before arranging a change.
What school hygiene services does Sanokil provide?
Sanokil provides serviced sanitary bins, auto-lid units, nappy disposal systems, soap dispensers, hand sanitisers, air fresheners, toilet seat cleaners, urinal eco-mats and urinal or WC sanitising services. Sanokil provide a quote based on our existing services?
Yes. Sanokil can review the school’s current units, servicing frequencies and washroom requirements before preparing an itemised, obligation-free proposal.
